1. I never use minnows, so that's easy, use Jigs.
2. Is it windy? If so, 1/8th oz. if not 1/16oz.
3. I use crappie nibbles a lot.
4. I always use either 1 1/3 or 3" baits.
watch your electronics, they'll help you pinpoint where the fish are.
I wish I could fish reelfoot with you, I've never been there and it's on my bucket list.
If you are in a creek with Timber, Use a slip bobber and start around 4ft down, and work your way up. Or use the jig pole to figure out where they are, and then adjust your slip bobber rig accordingly.
or if you are fishing stumps, or cypress, let your line down slow to the bottom, if you don't get a hit going down, slowly work your way up twitching it every now and then. If you that doesn't get them, work your way out from each stump.
Get out and enjoy it, be careful and take your time. Think about what you are doing, and when they hit, replicate it. If I'd ask for personal improvement on one thing, it'd be clarity. There are times where I'm just enjoying the surroundings and having a good time, catch a fish, get him in the live well, and think here we go. Then I realize I was not even paying attention and have to start over. LOL